State Attorney Skip Jarvis Speaks Out After Withdrawing Re-Election Bid

State Attorney Robert "Skip" Jarvis is speaking out after he announced he is no longer seeking re-election.

On Monday, Jarvis said he was withdrawing from the current race- a direct result of an agreement between all parties involved in the investigation of claims that he misused government crime database computers. Jarvis released the following statement:

"When it was suggested that they would go after my thirty plus years retirement, the main thing I was counting on to take care of my wife after I am gone, guilt or innocence became irrelevant. I was not willing to take that risk."

Jarvis currently serves as the state attorney for the third judicial circuit in Florida. His last day in office will be January 6, 2013.

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[UPDATE] August 20, 2012 @ 4:12pm

WCTV has now confirmed that state attorney Skip Jarvis is withdrawing his bid for re-election - a direct result of an agreement between all parties involved in the investigation of claims that he misused government crime database computers.

Jarvis currently serves as the State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit in Florida.

State Attorney Brad King tells WCTV that he agreed to drop the case against Jarvis if Jarvis withdrew his candidacy.

Jarvis' last day in office will be January 6, 2012.

UPDATE: August 20, 2012

Robert Skip Jarvis will be resigning, effective January 7th, 2013. The long-time state attorney is withdrawing his bid for re-election.

Back in July, WCTV learned that state attorney Brad King was appointed by the Governor to seek a grand jury indictment against Jarvis. It stemmed from a claim that Jarvis misused government crime database computers to get personal information to use against his opponents.

The claim was filed by former Jarvis employee Michael San Filippo – and was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

We do not know if the two are related but will keep you informed of any new details as they come in.

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UPDATE July, 26, 2012

Attorneys for State Attorney Skip Jarvis question the motivation for the complaints against their client.

"I can go out on a limb a little bit, and say this maybe politically motivated because it's getting aways away from some type of corrupt use of office," said David Collins, Jarvis' attorney.

Michael San Filippo filed the complaint. He worked under Jarvis, but was fired.

"Mr. San Filippo was an ex employee of Mr. Jarvis who was fired for misconduct and other matters," said Collins.

San Filippo entered the current race in hopes of replacing Jarvis as State Attorney but has since dropped out.

San Filippo claims Jarvis misused government crime database computers to get personal information to use against his opponents, including San Filippo himself.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement launched an investigation into San Filippo's claim against Jarvis. They found enough information to move forward. That's when Governor Rick Scott appointed State Attorney Brad King to pursue a grand jury indictment against Jarvis.

"Some people might ask why Mr. King as, you know, opposed to Mr. Cervone, or Mr. Meggs, or some other states attorneys who are closer," said Collins.

Attorneys for Jarvis say they're hopeful the appointment was not politically motivated.

"Mr. Jarvis and I believe Mr. Cervone, were, uh, one of a number of state attorneys that, to put it mildly, did not support Governor Scott," said Collins.

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WCTV has learned a State Attorney in our area is under investigation.

Skip Jarvis has been the State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida since 2008. That district includes Suwanee, Taylor and Madison counties. Attorneys involved in the case say a citizen filed a complaint against Jarvis, saying he was misusing public office. Now, the matter is scheduled to go before a grand jury in Leon County.

State Attorney Brad King has been appointed to handle the investigation. King tells WCTV that FDLE first investigated Jarvis. Governor Scott then appointed King to further investigate. King is now seeking a grand jury indictment against Jarvis. King said he cannot comment on details of the case at this time.

Attorneys confirmed the original grand jury hearing date was set for August 1, 2012. Jarvis' attorney requested that it be continued for personal reasons. It has been rescheduled for the week of August 20, 2012.

David Collins is Jarvis' attorney and released the following statement:

"Mr. Jarvis has fully cooperated in this investigation. He will continue to fully cooperate. He looks forward to testifying before the grand jury. Mr. Jarvis will concern himself doing the people's business."

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